December 5th

Toulmin Method of Argument: Toulmin Method- Purdue OWL

We will be focusing on 4 of Toulmin's components: Claim, Backing/Evidence, Warrants, Reservation/Counter-Claim

1. Read through the following Toulmin Argument example paper: Toulmin Argument Method Paper Example -Look at the examples of Toulmin's techniques for argument. 

1. Take out your ten practice thesis/claim statements.

2. For EACH statement, you need to write the counter claim.. This is the opposition side to this argument.. do not go to the polar opposite side for this exercise... Your argument, if you have developed it well, should not be extreme and obvious (therefore having a direct opposite side). Look to reasons why someone (people) would disagree with your claim. Write this statement as well as you were supposed to write your initial thesis.

So now.. you should have your initial thesis/claim... and its counterclaim. (or rebuttal)

3. Switch your papers with a classmate. Give them both your initial thesis and your counterclaim.

They need to assess each claim (just the claim) for the following standards:

 A. Has the topic been broken down and/or processed (not transferred right into subject of formula)
B. Is the stance arguable? Look at the thesis first and then look at the counter.. Is the counter a logical opposition stance? What is the type of claim being utilized?

C. Does the thesis continue on and answer HOW or WHY? (and is it narrowed down from the presented topic?)

D. Is the writing concise? Is the argument easy to figure out? (not garbled up in the writing)

Provide as much feedback as possible.

For Thursday, December 5th: 

Once you have been given back your thesis statements, you need to pick your 5 BEST. If you need to edit and make adjustments, do so. You already have the counterclaim. After you have done this, you will need to add three supporting points (start at evidence) to each claim. Once you have established your three pieces of evidence, provide a bullet point warrant explanation. 

Submit to Google Classroom before class begins.